Concentration of Industry.

Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Commerce. – in the House of Commons at on 18 June 1941.

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Photo of Sir Geoffrey Mander Sir Geoffrey Mander , Wolverhampton East

asked the President of the Board of Trade the present position with regard to the preparation of voluntary schemes for the concentration of industry; to what extent action has been taken, or is contemplated, on a compulsory basis; and whether it is desired that firms, whether within the group of specified industries or not, should submit their own voluntary schemes?

Photo of Mr Charles Waterhouse Mr Charles Waterhouse , Leicester South

My right hon. Friend hopes to make a statement at an early date

Photo of Sir Geoffrey Mander Sir Geoffrey Mander , Wolverhampton East

Will my hon. and gallant Friend be good enough to answer the latter part of the Question?

Photo of Mr Charles Waterhouse Mr Charles Waterhouse , Leicester South

I should prefer my hon. Friend to await the statement.

Photo of Sir Geoffrey Mander Sir Geoffrey Mander , Wolverhampton East

Is it not the case that the President of the Board of Trade has already made a statement bearing on the subject? What possible reason can there be for delay in answering the latter part of my Question? There is no question of statistics.

Photo of Mr Charles Waterhouse Mr Charles Waterhouse , Leicester South

It is perfectly clear that if a firm in any industry likes to make arrangements, the President of the Board of Trade will welcome them, but we cannot go beyond that.

Photo of Sir Geoffrey Mander Sir Geoffrey Mander , Wolverhampton East

Including the obligation for nucleus firms closing down certain factories?

Photo of Mr Charles Waterhouse Mr Charles Waterhouse , Leicester South

I cannot deal with that, pending my right hon. Friend's statement.